◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: DeNA 2-4 Softbank Hawks (12 extra inning) (July 7, Yokohama)

Softbank Hawks Ito scored his first win in his sixth year as a pro. extra inning 2-2, he pitched as the sixth pitcher in the 11th inning. He allowed a single to center off Maki, but when he aimed for second base, center fielder Shuto hit a good throw. After that, with one out and a runner on first, he struck out Tsutsugo and Miyazaki in succession. He created momentum with a runs and extra inning achieved a winning record in 12 innings. He contributed to four consecutive winning records in interleague games, saying, "It was a long time with injuries up to this point. I'm happy," savoring the commemorative victory.

He joined The Giants in 2020 as the fourth overall pick in the draft from Mitsubishi Power (now Mitsubishi Heavy Industries East). In November of his first year, he underwent surgery to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. In 2024, the year he made his first-team debut, he made eight appearances, and in January 2025, he joined The Giants as compensation for Kai's free agent transfer. Having experienced injuries and changes in environment, he has diligently pursued growth, believing that "the only thing I can control is myself."

This season, he has made 11 appearances with ERA of 0.73. He gets called upon in a variety of situations. "I don't think too much about the score difference or batting order. I just focus on closer," says Ito. He continues to shut down hitter in front of him as he plays for a team that has already secured a winning record in the interleague series. (Tosei Moriguchi)